Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to President Bola Tinubu and a prominent northern elder, has cautioned Nigerians against internal division following unconfirmed reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Baba-Ahmed, in a post shared on his verified Facebook page
on Saturday, said if the speculations turn out to be true, it would mark a
troubling move by the American leader, who appears to have been misled by
distorted narratives about religious killings in Nigeria.
He stated that the reported decision, allegedly tied to
claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, ignores the complex reality
of insecurity in the country, which affects both Muslims and Christians alike.
“If these reports are true, then we can only say Bismillah,
because it means foreign interests are being stirred up against us,”
Baba-Ahmed wrote. “The truth is that those killing Nigerians
do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians. Ethnic and communal
conflicts in Nigeria have claimed the lives of both.”
He accused Trump and his allies of harboring ulterior
motives, suggesting that the United States has long been uncomfortable with the
rise of strong, populous, and resource-rich African nations like Nigeria,
Sudan, Libya, and South Africa.
“America and its partners have never felt at ease with
African countries that have large populations and resources,” he said. “They
see nations like Nigeria as potential threats because we refuse to submit to
foreign control.”
Baba-Ahmed also linked the alleged move to Nigeria’s
position on international issues, including its criticism of Israel’s ongoing
military actions in Gaza and its demand for a permanent seat for Africa at the
United Nations Security Council.
“Our only crime,” he wrote, “is that we spoke the truth —
that what Israel is doing to Palestinians in Gaza is worse than what Nazi
Germany did to the Jews during World War II. We also asked that Africa and the
black world be given a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.”
He accused some local actors of exploiting religious
tensions for political gain and alleged that Trump’s reported position enjoys
the support of “those who never want Muslims and Christians in Nigeria to live
in peace.
“The Nigerian government has done its best to dismiss these
falsehoods,” he noted, “but the United States insists it must ‘save’ Nigerian
Christians at all costs, while turning a blind eye to the killings of Muslims.”
Baba-Ahmed warned that any sanctions or hostile actions by
the U.S. would only worsen the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of
religion.
“America will not fight a war for Nigerian Christians,” he
cautioned. “It will only deepen the hardship of both Muslims and Christians
alike.”
He called on religious leaders to rise above division and
educate their followers on the dangers of external manipulation, urging the
government to intensify efforts to protect all citizens.
“We must not fight each other and destroy our own lives,” he
said. “Our Christian and Muslim leaders must unite to enlighten their followers
about this grave threat. The government, too, must strengthen security for all
Nigerians.”
He concluded with a call for national prayer and unity in
the face of external pressure.
“Let us continue to pray,” Baba-Ahmed wrote. “May Allah
protect us from the evil and plots of our enemies.”
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